Ancient traditions return Mandela to the earth

Qunu: After the tears of friends, the roar of jets, the tributes of dignitaries, finally, Nelson Mandela has been laid to rest in the peace of a grassy hill overlooking the land he loved.

His funeral took place on Sunday morning in the tiny rural village of Qunu, where his first memories were formed and where his family farm is situated.

In the end he had to wait just a little bit longer than planned, as speeches went overtime, his friends desperate not to let him go, old colleagues rehearsing old fights and old anecdotes, and politicians plotting a course for his legacy.

The delay made many in his wider clan anxious, as tradition states that a leader must be buried before midday.

Passing by: South Africans watch the hearse carrying the coffin of Nelson Mandela on its way to Qunu. Photo: AFP

It was taken to a huge white marquee next to the family home and sat before a stage filled with 95 candles, representing the years of Mandela’s life, centred on a portrait of the former president and freedom fighter.

The service began with the popular hymn Lizalis’ idinga laKho (Fulfill your promise), “Zonk’ iintlanga, zonk’ izizwe/Ma zizuzeusindiso. (All races, all nations must be saved)”.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, left, Nelson Mandela's former wife, left and Nelson Mandela'?s widow Graca Machel stand over the former president's casket during his funeral service in Qunu, South Africa, Sunday, December 15, 2013. Photo: AP

She recalled his generosity, as every Christmas he gave a gift and a meal to thousands of children who flocked to his home inQunu.

“His gestures of kindness made those around him want to do good,” she said.

Candles are lit under a portrait of Nelson Mandela before his funeral ceremony. Photo: Reuters

She recalled his sense of humour, and his fondness for storytelling, often making fun of himself. And she recalled his sense of mischief, his strictness with his children, and his care for the less privileged.

“He was driven by common decency,” she said. “[Grandfather] we shall miss your voice, we shall miss your laughter [and] we will carry the lessons you taught us throughout our lives.”

Mr Kathrada is an Indian South African who fought against apartheid and spent 26 years imprisoned with Mandela.

His voice shaking with grief, he addressed his friend directly, thanking him for his love, humility, patience and courage.

“Farewell my dear brother, my mentor, my leader,” he said. “When Walter [Sisulu] died I lost a father, and now I have lost a brother. My life is a void and I don’t know who to turn to.”

President Joyce Banda of Malawi said she had learned from Mandela that leadership was about falling in love with your people and your people falling in love with you.

South African President Jacob Zuma said the country had been gripped with fear and anxiety when Mandela became ill last year.

“We did not want to confront the reality of your mortality,” he said, adding the country had to take Mandela’s legacy forward.

“We will not say goodbye … you live forever in our hearts and minds.”

After the service 450 VIPs – mainly family and traditional leaders – went a little way up the hill overlooking the farm. No media or public were allowed to witness the actual burial, at the request of the family.

From that vantage point, likely to become a place of pilgrimage, the grass bends in the wind and the only sounds are the distant bleats of the town’s herds of sheep and goats.

On a neighbouring hillside about a kilometre away, people from the region and even further away had gathered to watch on big TV screens that were relaying the service.

A group of Zulu warriors in traditional dress, carrying spears and shields, danced one by one, kicking the air as their comrades clapped and sang. They were joined by Xhosa men in a symbol of tribal unity.

"He was the father of a nation," said Musa Ngubane, one of the Zulu. "We are celebrating his spirit."

Some locals were bitter that they had not rated an invitation to their neighbour and friend’s funeral.

But another mourner with a small flag perched in her hair said she was not disappointed that she could not get closer to the ceremony.

"We are not complaining," she said, gesturing to the landscape around her. "Inside or outside, his spirit is here and all around us. I am honoured to be here."

The crowd watched on the big screen as the coffin was laid by the grave, surrounded by white flowers, and the flag removed.

There was a short prayer, then helicopters and jets flew over the gravesite. Guns saluted Mandela, and the Last Post played.

Then the TV feed to the site was cut, and the rest proceeded in privacy.

The last steps of Mandela’s long walk home were to be an intimate secret.